Cutting frag's...

[Delphinus]

I have to back up Bob on this one. Elastics used to secure some frags, espescially softer liquid filled (for lack of a better term) corals such as mushrooms and colts, can sometimes just cut through the frag leaving you with two or more smaller (and unattached) frags. Colt frags in particular are notorious for not cooperating when you want them to attach to something. Some people suggest (I have never tried this myself) that "sewing" the frag onto a rock with nylon, cotton, or fishing line might help. Either the frag simply grows over the thread, or if you use something like cotton it will eventually disintegrate. But like I said I have never tried this myself, so take such advice with the appropriate sized grain of salt (or whatever your favourite condiment may be -- perhaps some cayenne pepper might be nice?)

[AJ_77]

As it's encrusting, probably a similar process to fragging zoanthids - a well-placed chisel and a few taps from a mallet? This works really well for controlled rock-splitting, although with the larger base of the leather some cutting is also involved?

[Canadian Man]

The sewing trick works very well and I bring it up everytime that the colt or other softies are mentioned. Drill two holes in the rock you want it attached to and sew the frag on in an X pattern and all is done. the coral grows over the thread and all is good.

[eposer]

I find elastics work very well as long as they're not too tight and not too thin. Maybe it's just my super mutant colt though?

Good luck.

Evan.

[Seriak]

All my tree corals have been fragged using the V method and with an elastic. Like evan said, the elastic has to be fairly loose so it is not realkly putting pressure on the coral just a force holding it down. For a couple of bucks you should be able to get a vaiety pack of elastics with every imaginable size. This seems to be the easiest method I have found.

[Bob I]

Does that not entitle me to say I have experience...aaah, never mind. Just tryin' to spike your blood pressure...
Maybe what I will do is just let it continue to spread and "cut it loose" at a later date...

You are entitled to say anything you desire. If that Colt I sold you (inexpensively too) is doing the same as a piece I still have, you will notice small growths on the base. These growths usually anchor to the rock it is on, and it spreads. It might be better to surround the rock with other rocks, and allow it to grow onto them. When it has done that (some time down the road), you can either cut them apart or even just pull them apart. Then you will have more to sell to recoup your large investment.

[Bob I]

Originally Posted by Seriak

All my tree corals have been fragged using the V method and with an elastic. Like evan said, the elastic has to be fairly loose so it is not realkly putting pressure on the coral just a force holding it down. For a couple of bucks you should be able to get a vaiety pack of elastics with every imaginable size. This seems to be the easiest method I have found.

I don't doubt you fellows have a lot of experience with tree corals, but we are NOT talking about the treelike forms here. We are speaking of a low growing, encrusting type of Colt. It seems to not get any taller than 2.5 inches, and spreads from the base. Thus it handles differently, and much easier too.

[Seriak]

I would like to see a picture of this coral. My Colt is definatley taller than 2 1'2 inches.

[Bob I]

Originally Posted by Seriak

I would like to see a picture of this coral. My Colt is definatley taller than 2 1'2 inches.

I will do that as soon as you spell definitely correctly. Up to the blackboard, and write definitely 1000 times.

Sometimes called "White Colt" or when I bought it , it had been invoiced as "Baby Leather"

[Seriak]

Hey, I have not done lines since grade four and I am not about to take up that hobby again. Too much other stuff needs to be done first. Let's see, count the holes in the ceiling above me...